Summary
The “Courage Tour” is a series of religious-political rallies organized by evangelical pastor Lance Wallnau, aimed at mobilizing Christian voters in support of Donald Trump in key swing states. The tour combines elements of spiritual warfare with political activism, framing the upcoming election as a battle between good and evil, where Christian values must prevail over perceived demonic influences in society.
The Courage Tour emphasizes the concept of the “Seven Mountain Mandate,” which posits that Christians are called to occupy influential positions across various societal sectors, including government, education, and media. Wallnau and other speakers at the events have characterized the current political climate as a struggle against “radical ideologies” and “cultural Marxism,” which they believe threaten traditional American values. They have also made inflammatory claims about political opponents, notably accusing Vice President Kamala Harris of engaging in “witchcraft” and embodying a “Jezebel spirit” intended to manipulate and deceive. This rhetoric is designed to galvanize evangelical support for Trump by portraying the election as a critical juncture for the future of the nation, where spiritual intervention is necessary to combat the alleged moral decline.
Key Themes of the Courage Tour
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Spiritual Warfare: The tour promotes the idea that political engagement is a form of spiritual battle, with speakers urging attendees to pray and act against what they describe as demonic forces influencing American society.
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Christian Nationalism: The events reflect a growing trend within the Republican Party that seeks to merge evangelical Christian beliefs with political action, advocating for policies that align with conservative Christian values.
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Mobilization of Christian Voters: The Courage Tour aims to increase voter turnout among evangelical Christians, emphasizing the importance of their participation in the electoral process to secure a victory for Trump.
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Controversial Rhetoric: Wallnau and other speakers have made controversial statements regarding political opponents, framing them not just as political adversaries but as embodiments of evil that must be confronted through collective action.
This blend of religious fervor and political activism highlights the significant role that evangelical movements play in shaping the political landscape, particularly in the context of the upcoming election.
Nov. 2 / Sltrib / Examines Vance's alignment with Wallnau, emphasizing the latter's controversial statements. The article contributes to understanding the broader implications of the Courage Tour on the political landscape. “ As a scholar of religion , I attended the “Courage Tour,” a series of religious-political rallies, when it made a stop in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, from...
Nov. 2 / Pennlive / Explores the Courage Tour's religious-political rallies, emphasizing the intertwining of conservative ideologies and spiritual warfare. It provides valuable insights into the New Apostolic Reformation's influence. “ A uthor: Michael E. Heyes , Lycoming College (THE CONVERSATION) As a scholar of religion , I attended the “Courage Tour,” a series of religious-political...
MAGA think tank's Trump transition plan goes 'further' than Project 2025 in key area: NYT
Oct. 25 / Raw Story / Investigates Vance's embrace of extremist Christian nationalists, detailing Wallnau's controversial views. This piece offers a deep dive into the ideological underpinnings of their political alliance. “ A right-wing think tank in existence for just about four years is at the core of the planning for a second Donald Trump presidency, according to the New York...
'Embarrassing': J.D. Vance shakes hands in parking lot when sandwich shop won't let him in
Sep. 28 / Raw Story / Reports on Vance's efforts to rally Christian voters during the Courage Tour, detailing his messaging against perceived threats. The article provides a thorough account of his campaign strategies. “ A sandwich shop outside of Pittsburgh refused to let Senator J.D. Vance host a planned campaign event, instead reportedly forcing the Republican vice...
Biden and Harris call the Israeli strike killing Hezbollah's Nasrallah a 'measure of justice'
Sep. 28 / Kcra / Examines Vance's participation in a town hall event hosted by Wallnau, emphasizing the latter's extreme rhetoric. It effectively situates the Courage Tour within a larger discussion of Christian nationalism. “ REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. — The Israeli strike that killed Hezbollah's Hassan Nasrallah was a "measure of justice" for victims of a four-decade "reign of terror,"...
Checks and Balance newsletter: J.D. Vance and the politics of storytelling
Sep. 28 / The Economist / Analyzes Vance's partnership with Wallnau, emphasizing the latter's extremist beliefs. The article contributes to a broader understanding of the Courage Tour's implications for the political landscape. “ Donald Trump’s running mate is disciplined in telling stories that serve his interests This is the introduction to Checks and Balance, a weekly,...
Vance warns Christians about 'creepy socialism' in western Pennsylvania
Sep. 29 / Raw Story / Discusses Vance's warnings about "creepy socialism," framing his rhetoric within the context of the Courage Tour. The piece raises critical questions about the implications of such messaging for voters. “ MONROEVILLE — U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), the GOP vice presidential nominee, campaigned in Pennsylvania on Saturday, starting the day at an evangelical...
Vance to attend event with evangelist who said Harris used 'witchcraft'
Sep. 27 / Nbc News / Focuses on Vance's upcoming town hall with Wallnau, detailing the latter's controversial claims about Harris. The article offers insight into the implications of their association for the election. “ Ohio Sen. JD Vance is set to participate in a town hall in Pennsylvania on Saturday with evangelical religious leader Lance Wallnau, who said after this...
Vance to attend event with evangelist who said Harris used 'witchcraft'
Sep. 27 / Nbc News / Reports on Vance's alignment with Wallnau, emphasizing the latter's claims about Harris. This article provides context about the Courage Tour's implications, making it relevant for understanding current politics. “ Ohio Sen. JD Vance is set to participate in a town hall in Pennsylvania on Saturday with evangelical religious leader Lance Wallnau, who said after this...
RFK Jr mocks Kamala Harris' favorite phrase with audience call-and-response at Michigan rally
Sep. 28 / Fox News / Addresses Wallnau's extreme claims about Harris, providing context for Vance's involvement in the Courage Tour. It underscores the implications of their association on voter mobilization efforts. “ Former independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. reacts to the Trump-Harris ABC News Presidential Debate. (Courtesy: ABC News) Robert F....
JD Vance to campaign with preacher who claims Harris is 'devil's choice'
Sep. 27 / Dailykos / Details Vance's participation in an event with Wallnau, underscoring the pastor's controversial remarks. It effectively illustrates how religious rhetoric intertwines with political strategy in the Courage Tour. “ Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance will hold a campaign event with Christian televangelist Lance Wallnau, who has claimed that Vice President...
News Wrap: Vance and Walz campaign in battleground states days before VP debate - PBS NewsHour
Sep. 28 / Google News / Provides a concise overview of Vance's campaign activities, highlighting his alignment with Wallnau. It effectively contextualizes the Courage Tour within the broader electoral landscape, making it informative. “ News Wrap: Vance and Walz campaign in battleground states days before VP debate PBS NewsHour'Who did the vetting?': GOP strategist reacts to Vance appearing...
Vance Links Up With Christian Extremist Who Called Harris a ‘Jezebel’ Practicing ‘Witchcraft’
Sep. 27 / Rolling Stone / Highlights Wallnau's extreme views and their potential impact on Vance's campaign. The piece critically assesses the implications of their alliance, providing a nuanced perspective on the Courage Tour's significance. “ Fresh off an appearance on Tucker Carlson’s extremist election tour , Republican vice-presidential nominee J.D. Vance is set to sit for a Pennsylvania town...
Vance to talk at tour hosted by ‘prophet’ who thinks Harris practices witchcraft
Sep. 27 / The Guardian / Analyzes Vance's campaign activities alongside Wallnau, illustrating the latter's extremist views. It effectively contextualizes their partnership within the ongoing struggle for evangelical influence. “ Trump’s running mate will speak at Lance Wallnau’s event in campaign’s latest link to extremist Christian right
Vance’s Pre-Debate Prep Is Platforming Christian Nationalist Who Called Harris a Witch
Sep. 27 / The Daily Beast / Focuses on Vance's collaboration with Wallnau, highlighting the pastor's radical beliefs. It effectively critiques their partnership and its potential impact on the upcoming election. “ JD Vance ’s embrace of far-right Christian nationalists will reach a whole new level this weekend. That’s when Donald Trump ’s running mate is set to spend...